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TL;DR: After three witches predict that the Scottish general Macbeth will become king, he and his ambitious wife murder King Duncan and seize the throne. To keep it, Macbeth kills again and again. Guilt drives Lady Macbeth to madness and death, and Macbeth is defeated and killed by Macduff.
Table of Contents
Macbeth at a Glance
| Author | William Shakespeare |
| First published | c. 1606 |
| Type | Tragedy (play) |
| Best for | readers who want Shakespeare's shortest, fastest tragedy about ambition and guilt |
Macbeth is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, written around 1606. It is his shortest tragedy, set in medieval Scotland, and it is famous for its witches, its bloody violence and its study of guilt. Below you will find an act-by-act summary, five key takeaways, ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it.
Content note: Includes murder, including of children.
Main Characters
- Macbeth: A brave Scottish general whose ambition turns him into a tyrant.
- Lady Macbeth: Macbeth's wife, who pushes him to murder.
- The Witches: Three mysterious figures who predict the future.
- Banquo: Macbeth's friend, whose descendants are prophesied to be kings.
- Macduff: A nobleman who seeks revenge on Macbeth.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
The prophecy
Returning from battle, Macbeth and Banquo meet three witches. They hail Macbeth as Thane of Cawdor and future king, and say Banquo's descendants will be kings. Soon after, Macbeth is named Thane of Cawdor, which makes him believe the rest. He writes to his wife.
Murdering Duncan
Lady Macbeth persuades her hesitant husband to kill King Duncan while he visits their castle. Macbeth stabs the king in his sleep, and Lady Macbeth frames the guards. Duncan's sons flee, and Macbeth becomes king.
Banquo's ghost
Fearing the prophecy about Banquo, Macbeth hires murderers to kill him and his son Fleance. Banquo dies, but Fleance escapes. At a banquet, Macbeth sees Banquo's ghost and panics in front of his guests.
More murders
Macbeth visits the witches again. They warn him to beware Macduff, say no man born of woman can harm him and promise he is safe until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane. Feeling invincible, he has Macduff's wife and children murdered. Lady Macbeth sleepwalks, trying to wash imaginary blood from her hands.
The ending
Lady Macbeth dies. Malcolm's army cuts branches from Birnam Wood as camouflage, so the wood seems to move. Macduff reveals he was born by caesarean section, not “of woman born” in the usual way, and kills Macbeth. Malcolm becomes king of Scotland.
5 Key Takeaways
- Unchecked ambition leads to destruction.
- Guilt cannot be washed away.
- Prophecies can tempt people into making them come true.
- Violence breeds more violence.
- Tyranny eventually provokes resistance.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- Fair is foul, and foul is fair.
- What's done cannot be undone.
- Life's but a walking shadow.
Who Should Read Macbeth?
Read Macbeth if you want a fast, gripping Shakespeare tragedy. It is short and is often the first Shakespeare students read.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of Macbeth:
- Who is more responsible, Macbeth or Lady Macbeth?
- Do the witches cause events or only predict them?
- How does guilt affect each character?
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether Macbeth is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full story, characters and style, which no short summary can replace.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of Macbeth, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary between copies.
Should You Read the Book?
If the summary caught your interest, read the opening chapters before you decide. A summary tells you what happens, but the voice and pacing are what make a book work or not.
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What to Read Next
- Hamlet by William Shakespeare: Shakespeare's most famous tragedy
- Richard III by William Shakespeare: another murderous ruler
- Macbeth by Jo Nesbø: a modern crime thriller retelling
Related: 15 Books Like Macbeth You’ll Love · Hamlet by William Shakespeare: Summary and Key Takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Macbeth about?
A general murders his king after a prophecy and is destroyed by guilt.
Why is it called the Scottish Play?
Theater tradition says saying “Macbeth” inside a theater brings bad luck.
Who kills Macbeth?
Macduff.
What happens to Lady Macbeth?
She goes mad with guilt and dies.
What is the prophecy about Birnam Wood?
Macbeth is safe until the wood comes to Dunsinane, which happens when soldiers carry branches.
Is Macbeth based on history?
Loosely. Macbeth was a real 11th-century Scottish king.
Is it short?
Yes. It is Shakespeare's shortest tragedy.
What is “Out, damned spot”?
Lady Macbeth's line while sleepwalking, trying to wash away imagined blood.
Who is Malcolm?
King Duncan's elder son, who becomes king after Macbeth's death.
Who are the main characters in Macbeth?
The main characters are Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, the Witches, Banquo and Macduff. Macbeth: A brave Scottish general whose ambition turns him into a tyrant. Lady Macbeth: Macbeth's wife, who pushes him to murder. The Witches: Three mysterious figures who predict the future.
Is Macbeth worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who want Shakespeare's shortest, fastest tragedy about ambition and guilt. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.